Carlos Lantigua’s Journey from U.S. Marine to AWP Safety EHS Director
After 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Carlos Lantigua retired with the rank, experience and wisdom that come from a life of service. But his transition from combat zones to construction zones was more than a career shift. It was a calling. Today, Lantigua serves as director of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) at AWP Safety, where he draws directly from his military roots to lead safety initiatives that safeguard thousands of employees, customers and motorists every single day.
Wake-Up Call: From Risk Taker to Risk Manager
Lantigua wasn’t always a safety leader. He admits that, as a young Marine, he initially resisted the idea of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
“In my early 20s, I didn’t want to wear all the heavy PPE, he recalls. “But my perspective changed fast when I became responsible for the lives of over 30 Marines. From that point on, my mission was to make sure everyone came home safe, whether it was a training exercise or a combat deployment.”
That responsibility sparked a lasting transformation. After being injured in combat, Lantigua was assigned to a formal safety role, overseeing risk management plans, delivering safety briefings and inspecting high-risk operations.
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever done was sit with parents and explain how their son or daughter died during service,” he says. “That never leaves you. It drives everything I do today.”
Before leaving the military, Lantigua deepened his safety expertise by earning a bachelor’s degree in technical management with a focus on EHS. He is currently finishing a master’s program in safety management systems, with just two classes and a capstone project remaining.
Delivering Safety, Civilian Style
Lantigua’s military career may be behind him, but his mission of protecting people continues stronger than ever. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Lantigua transitioned into safety leadership roles in industries ranging from construction to manufacturing. When he found AWP Safety, something stood out.
“Safety isn’t just a priority. It’s AWP Safety’s entire business,” he says. “I’ve worked at places where safety was one department of many. Here, it’s who we are.”
To Lantigua, every work zone is like a deployment — complete with risks, objectives and the need for vigilance. His mission is clear: make sure crews on the ground have the tools, training and support they need to stay safe and succeed.
A Legacy of Veteran Leadership
Lantigua isn’t alone in his journey. AWP Safety proudly employs veterans from every branch of the U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces, including the CEO and CFO, who served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force respectively. Veterans bring mission-first thinking, operational discipline and a deep commitment to serving customers and their teams. These qualities make veterans natural safety leaders and support AWP Safety’s position as North America’s leader in traffic control.
“There’s just an understanding among veterans,” Lantigua says. “At the end of the day, we’ve been there and know what it means to take care of people.”
Learn more about how AWP supports and salutes our veterans.
